Too often our fitness is focused on the number that stares back at us on the scale. An emphasis on overall fitness, both mental and physical, is the philosophy behind “Walk and Talk,” offered by the Women’s Center on the Virginia Beach Campus.

The idea on Wednesday mornings is to spend a half hour to 45 minutes talking about wellness while making a 2-mile trek around campus. Counseling intern Kate Bender leads the group and encourages everyone to pair up with a walking buddy.

“So often wellness is focused on losing weight,” she says. “Wellness is not just how much you weigh or a clothing size. Thin doesn’t always equal fit.”

Bender has talked to the participants about proper nutrition and additional exercise options. Emotional wellness was also a recent topic.

“Walking involves a sense of camaraderie and sharing,” she says. “Talking and walking is a great way to feel good about ourselves and meet new people.”